Anís Del Mono 1898

Ramón Casas created this advertisement for Anís del Mono, a Spanish liquor, presenting a composition dominated by a woman and a monkey against a green background. The woman, seen from the back, is draped in a large, ornate shawl, which is partially emblazoned with the brand name. The shawl's flowing lines and the monkey's poised gesture of offering a glass create a dynamic visual rhythm. Casas employs a clever semiotic strategy here. The monkey, a traditional symbol of imitation and mimicry, holds a glass as if inviting the viewer to partake, thus associating the liquor with sophistication and social engagement. The woman, with her back turned, invites the viewer into the scene, creating an immersive experience. This visual technique, combined with the flowing lines of the shawl, draws the eye across the composition, reinforcing the brand's presence and appeal. The artwork, therefore, functions as a complex interplay of signs, inviting ongoing interpretation.